Project Overview
Xcel Energy is leading the clean energy transition with a plan to reduce carbon emissions 85% by 2030 in pursuit of our vision to deliver 100% carbon free electricity. We will accomplish these industry-leading goals by retiring our coal operations in the region and expanding our use of renewable energy, and re-using existing grid connections to serve customers, including the Allen S. King Plant near Oak Park Heights, Minn, which will be retired in the coming years.
The King Transmission Connection project will deliver solar energy from western Wisconsin to the existing grid connection at the King plant location, which will then serve customers throughout the region. Equipment installed at the existing King site will help maintain system reliability as we transition from traditional coal-fired electricity to renewable energy. The transmission line will be about 20 miles long.
The new solar energy and transmission infrastructure will create new construction jobs and provide new lease and tax revenue for communities. Initially, the Tenmile Creek solar project, located near New Richmond, will initially deliver 200 megawatts of energy to customers and can be expanded in the future. Providing this new energy to customers will help reduce carbon emissions and provide needed electricity to customers while using the existing transmission connection at the King plant, a more efficient and less expensive solution than developing new transmission lines and substations.
Ten Mile Creek Solar Project
In addition to the King Transmission Connection, we are also proposing the Ten Mile Creek Solar Project in central St. Croix County. Details on the Ten Mile Creek Solar Project are available here.
Proposed Routes:
The transmission line route will upgrade the existing structures that cross the St. Croix River and double-circuit the new 230-kV project with an existing 115-kV line for about 12-15 miles to the Tenmile Creek solar project near New Richmond. Xcel Energy will propose a second route option that follows existing transmission lines, roadways, and field/property lines to minimize cross-country routes.
Regulatory process and review
Following feedback from local landowners, local governments and other stakeholders, we will file an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The application will cover both the proposed solar project and the transmission line and is expected to be filed in 2025. The PSCW would then hold public hearings and make a decision on the application, generally within one year.
Project Status
Xcel Energy expects to file a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in early 2025. A decision would be expected in early 2026 with construction beginning later that year. The public can also provide input on the project using the comment form below.